DOE OSTI2014
Our study addressed two projects identified in the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) for New Boston Air Force Station (NBAFS), New Hampshire that are related to sustaining high-quality wetland habitats on the station. These studies were intended to: (1) evaluate erosion and its impacts on NBAFS wetlands, (2) evaluate degraded wetlands for restoration potential and (3) develop designs for wetland restoration. This report includes brief descriptions of each wetland evaluated, existing and potential erosion problems at each wetland, and recommendations for restoration actions to mitigate impacting factors at high risk wetlands. In October 2011, we surveyed 15 wetlands on NBAFS for evidence of impacts from erosion. These wetlands were chosen because they were adjacent to roads, developed areas, or disturbed areas, and therefore had a higher potential for impact from erosion. Parameters evaluated at these wetlands and adjacent areas included (1) evidence of existing sedimentation and erosion into wetland areas; (2) source of sediment; (3) slope; (4) soil type; (5) surrounding land cover; (6) presence and extent of intervening non-erosive land (e.g., vegetated surface, pavement); (7) water inputs (surface runoff, groundwater); and (8) frequency and nature of erosion events. The evaluation was watershed-based and utilized existing topographic information to determine the watershed of each wetland. Erosion problems at specific locations were ranked according to risk, including probability of occurrence, magnitude of effect, and severity of effects. Our evaluations were used to determine opportunities for wetland restoration. Restoration activities were developed on a case-by-case basis with an emphasis on wetlands at highest risk of degradation. Our recommendations for restoration focused on eliminating or reducing risk using minimally intrusive procedures and engineering solutions that could be achieved at relatively low cost. We emphasize concepts such as permeable paving, stabilization of road surfaces, nonnative plant removals, and native plant buffers that eliminate the source of the disturbance or reduce the energy of runoff while increasing groundwater infiltration rates. Recommended restoration actions and solutions are intended to be sufficiently explicit to develop work plans for restoration activities.
Van Lonkhuyzen, Robert A.↗